Chapter 1: Buying Snakes

Chapter 12: Buying Snakes

“Little brother, what do you need this time? I’ve got quite a few good ones—Redtail and Green Bamboo—both poisonous and beautiful.”

Seeing a familiar customer, Brother Snake greeted him warmly. After all, in his line of work, the circle of clients was small; he could only cultivate returning customers as best as he could.

“Brother Snake, you’re impressive. You even managed to get your hands on those two kinds.”

Zhou Ming was quite familiar with the two snakes Brother Snake mentioned.

From a distance, the Green Bamboo Snake looked like a piece of jade; its smooth scales shimmered under the light, giving off a unique iridescent glow.

The Redtail Snake, on the other hand, was quite special. Its body displayed a mix of colors, but its tail was always bright red—like a ruby.

Both species had mutated from ordinary snakes on Blue Star.

Although their venom couldn’t compare to that of the Ironthread Snake, in terms of beauty, they definitely ranked among the top ten venomous snakes among ordinary species.

“Just lucky. They’re fresh arrivals. Brother, are you interested?”

Seeing Zhou Ming give him a thumbs up, Brother Snake put on a modest face, though his tone couldn’t quite conceal his pride.

“No, I’m still here for Ironthread Snakes—two of them.”

After a brief exchange, Zhou Ming got straight to the point.

He had already prepared the money for the Ironthread Snakes.

After a month of working tirelessly day and night as a Rat Exterminator, he had saved up more than a hundred thousand Alliance Coins.

Of course, earning that much was mostly thanks to the help of his tamed beast.

Ordinary Rat Exterminators typically made only around ten thousand a month, and not everyone could handle that line of work.

Not to mention the dangers of entering the sewers.

“Looks like you’ve got a thing for Ironthread Snakes, brother.”

After glancing a few times at Zhou Ming, Brother Snake said with a knowing smile.

“Er Leng, bring out the two best-quality Ironthread Snakes for this young brother.”

“Got it.”

A short-haired man with an honest face but a shrewd glint in his eyes immediately went inside upon hearing his boss’s command.

“Brother, you came to the right person. Among all the sellers of Dark Pets in this market, I’m the only one with this many Ironthread Snakes.”

Though he didn’t know why Zhou Ming wanted more Ironthread Snakes, Brother Snake sensed there might be more business opportunities, so he introduced himself eagerly.

“Of course. I came here just for your good name, Brother Snake.”

Zhou Ming never hesitated to offer flattery—it cost nothing, and it kept business cheerful for both sides.

“Boss, the goods.”

Er Leng came out from the back room carrying two glass boxes and called out to Brother Snake.

“Let the brother take a look.”

Taking the boxes, Zhou Ming immediately began inspecting the two Ironthread Snakes for any issues. At a minimum of twenty thousand each—forty thousand in total—he didn’t want to end up with defective snakes.

Snap.

Wrapped in newspaper, forty thousand Alliance Coins landed on the table.

“Brother Snake, we’re old customers. Two for forty thousand. I’ll come back when there’s more business.”

Zhou Ming fixed the price directly. After all, in this trade, prices could change from twenty thousand today to thirty thousand tomorrow—it was common.

Picking up the newspaper-wrapped bundle, Brother Snake didn’t act coy. He opened it, checked the amount, then spoke again.

“Since you put it that way, brother, I can’t turn you away. Just remember what you’ve said.”

“Much appreciated.”

Seeing how straightforward the man was, Zhou Ming offered a brief thanks before putting the glass boxes into two black plastic bags and leaving.

“Boss, that guy seems to be hiding something.”

Er Leng hadn’t been around the last time Zhou Ming came—he had been sent by Brother Snake to collect the newly mutated Redtail and Green Bamboo pets.

Now, seeing Zhou Ming buy Ironthread Snakes again, he couldn’t help but suspect there was more to it.

“What’s there to hide? He walks his bright road, I walk my narrow bridge—none of our concern.”

“Er Leng, we just need to live our own small lives. No need to pry.”

“There’s a saying—‘the more you know, the faster you die.’”

Brother Snake lectured his loyal underling patiently.

He had also noticed that the last time Zhou Ming came, he had seemed somewhat lacking in confidence—like he was bluffing behind borrowed authority.

But this time, he clearly sensed a solid confidence in Zhou Ming, and even a faint aura of danger.

He now had a car, a house, a wife, and even a mistress on the side. His wife was understanding enough not to ask questions—as long as he came home at night.

Brother Snake was satisfied with such a life. He didn’t want Er Leng stirring up trouble for him.

“Got it, boss.”

“Good. You’ve worked hard lately. Come home with me later—your sister-in-law will cook a few dishes. We haven’t had a drink together in a while, so let’s relax a bit.”

Brother Snake knew how to keep his subordinates close—no wonder he’d built a successful business.

As for Zhou Ming, they didn’t discuss him further.

Carrying the two newly purchased Ironthread Snakes, Zhou Ming returned directly to his place.

“Seems my luck’s average this time.”

He carefully inspected the two glass boxes in his hands again. Both contained ordinary Ironthread Snakes—no signs of mutation.

Still, both snakes were in good condition, and Brother Snake hadn’t tried to deceive him.

Seeing no surprises, Zhou Ming didn’t dwell on it. He began implanting Spiritual Seeds, preparing to tame his new beasts.

Thanks to the unique nature of his Spiritual Seeds—and since neither snake had mutated—the process went smoothly.

“Hiss, hiss…”

Three Ironthread Snakes, each a foot long, coiled around Zhou Ming’s right hand. The first one, whose strength had greatly increased after mutation, occupied the center of his palm alone.

It seemed jealousy wasn’t limited to intelligent creatures.

“Time to deal with the trouble.”

Although Zhou Ming had already decided to quit being a Rat Exterminator after taming the three Ironthread Snakes, he still didn’t want to leave behind any potential problems.

Leaving his place after lunch, Zhou Ming headed to the Rat Extermination Station, planning to enter the sewers once more.

Facing Cold Blade and the others, Zhou Ming wasn’t willing to wait even one more night. After all, even a single mosquito could ruin his sleep.

Not long after he entered the sewers, several figures quietly followed behind—clearly, they had been watching him the moment he arrived.

“Here.”

Spotting fresh traces in the black sludge on the ground, the group tailing Zhou Ming quickly determined which direction he had gone.

“Cold Blade, I want the secret behind how that guy catches rats. You can take his money.”

“That depends on what the secret is. If it’s a big one, the cash will just be scraps.”

Cold Blade’s response made Scarred Knife visibly displeased. If not for the backers behind Cold Blade, he would’ve dumped the man into the sludge long ago.

“Hmph. Fine, I’ll make it up to you—but don’t get too greedy.”

“Alright.”

What Cold Blade really thought, however, only he knew.